Microsoft calls on indies with Windows 8 contest

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Microsoft has opened a competition to inspire independent UK developers to make and publish Windows game apps to the Windows 8 App Store.

Having launched its Windows 8 operating system, the platform holder is looking to “support and foster” a vibrant and successful sector by giving developers, and their titles, the best chance of success through profile and discoverability.

The competition began this week and closes on December 14th, 2012.

All Windows 8 game apps submitted as part of the competition will be initially reviewed by a Microsoft panel of judges who will shortlist 10 games that will be submitted to the final judging panel of Microsoft and independent judges, which includes Microsoft Studios, UKIE, The Trailer Farm, Yo Yo Games, Nokia, TIGA, Train2Game, Dolby Sounds and selected media.

The final judging decision will be made by Friday, January 11th, 2013. Games will be judged on originality of the game idea, design and artwork, use of Windows 8 app features and graphical UI, playability of the game and use of audio.

All ten game app finalists will be invited to an awards ceremony hosted at Dolby’s London HQ in January 2013. Full details are available at www.ubelly.com/gaming.

The prize(s) will be as follows:

1st Prize• One month’s free PR campaign for the developer and game from Train2Game (equivalent to 15 hours of PR support in the month)• Commercial game app trailer created and produced by The Trailer Farm up to the value of £4,000• Up to three hours of mentoring sessions with Andy Payne (Mastertronic, AppyNation, UKIE Chairman) and Ian Livingstone OBE (Eidos, UKIE Vice Chairman)• Nokia Lumia 920 Windows 8 Smartphone courtesy of Nokia• £500 Visa Gift card courtesy of YoYo Games• Mentoring session of two hours with Jason Kingsley, Chairman of TIGA and CEO of Rebellion Studios